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31.12.08

26.12.08

First sung in 1929 by Guy Lombardi at midnight on January 1, 1929, in the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.

The words of which are sung in English-speaking countries around the world each New Year's Eve.

A happy New Year! Grant that I May bring no tear to any eye When this New Year in time shall end Let it be said I've played the friend, Have lived and loved and labored here, And made of it a happy year.~Edgar Guest

21.12.08

As things sell, the store gets messy pretty quick even though we're popping in new merchandise daily. Here are a few updated photos after my designer friend, Simone, came in to help me display. I LUV what she did. The table in this display sold right after the display was done so it had to be done all over. Too funny, happens all the time. The couple who bought the table felt bad, we were all laughing about it - that's the point, to sell the merchandise!

This year we have burlap Christmas stockings with bling stars which have been a big hit. They're by Melissa.

The contrast between china and iron or wire works well for display and in decorating. It's a great look with lots of appeal.

One of our vintage mannequins is the perfect way to show off some of our latest jewelry offerings.

This is one of my all-time favorite displays: Hanging this 8 ft. wide building facade and putting a crystal chandelier in the center. It's a great look and one of the first things customers see when they walk through our front door.

12.12.08

Someone who collects antiques might be a bit difficult to buy for at Christmas. It's not as easy as running to the mall for a gift. You can however give them gifts that complement their hobby, and if you have a bit of the collector in you, maybe you can even pick them up a piece or two to complement their collection.

1- A gift certificate to an antiques store Try to find out one or two of their favorite shops and get them a gift certificate or gift card to a antique shop.

2- Magnifying Glass A magnifying glass that can be stashed in a glove box or purse for those times they need to check out a hard to distinguish mark on an unexpected find can be the best gift they will ever receive. Look for a folding magnifying glass in a protective case so that they will not have to worry about it breaking in between uses.

3- Tickets to an antique showAlmost every city or town has at least one major antiques show, or nearby. Antique afficionados love to go to an antique show so give them a couple of passes for the show so they can take a friend.

4- Journal

A blank journal with lots of room for them to fill with information on their favorite antique haunts, want lists, and more is a great gift for even someone on a budget to give the antique collector on their list. Take it up a step and give one with a leather cover with their initials engraved on it.

5- Subscription to Antique Trader Antique Trader is America's weekly antiques and collectibles marketplace. It is published every week of the year, meaning a copy will land in their mailbox each week reminding them just how much you care.

6- Tickets to a Museum Try to pick a museum in a historical building that is featuring antiquities, antiques or something related to their interests.

7- Buy them one of their favorite collectiblesIf you're comfortable shopping for them and know exactly what would really add to their collection and you can do it economically, then do it. Don't make the mistake of buying something you're not really sure about because then they feel obligated to display it because you gave it to them.

8- A book on their area of collectingThere are so many great books on antiques and collectibles. Chances are thtey have some of them but most likely appreciate any books on their area of collecting. Avid collectors usually love to amass books about their passion.

9- Antique photo frame:If you are giving a family photograph for a gift, frame it in an antique frame. Collectors love and appreciate that.

10- An antique Christmas ornamentAntique collectors usually love anything antique or vintage and would most certainly love an antique tree ornament. It's very special because each year when they put it on the tree, that person remembers you. You can't go wrong.

Cordelia with Frankie & Bella

Cottage Antiques, an online business

I've always loved antiques, since I can remember have been drawn to them. My husband, Bob and I share the passion for antiques. Our second date was to a flea market. I went into the antiques business opening an antique mall in 1988 which evolved through the years into Cottage Antiques. Now my business is totally online. In 2000, Bob and I bought a Bob 1935 house, restored it and filled it with all the antique pieces and vintage accessories that we have collected together over the years. Working on this house has been very rewarding. Another passion are our animals. Bringing pets into our home who have been tossed away, neglected and abused has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.